BEHOLD, WE GO UP TO JERUSALEM

Jerusalem

We have arrived in Jerusalem and are staying very close to the old city. Contained within the walls of this ancient city are a number of holy sites commemorating the Passion of our Lord.  Chief among these is the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which contains the tomb of Jesus as well as the sight of the Crucifixion, Calvary.  It is a unique privilege to pray at this sacred place and to do so for the next few weeks.  It seemed as if each one of us could not wait to head over there with our bags barely unpacked.

The Calvary Chapel

We are also beginning a new regime of classes immersed in study and contemplation of scripture.  It is already apparent that the words come alive with vivid images from the places we have visited. A number of us had a chance to follow the Stations of the Cross at the very places where they happened. Along with about a hundred other pilgrims, we squeezed through the narrow streets full of many sounds, smells, and sights that Jesus would have known well.  This pilgrimage is helping us to learn about Jesus, to walk in his footsteps, and develop intimacy in prayer with him whom we desire to serve.